Common rodents

There are two main rodents that are defined as pests/vermin that effect our living environment - rats and mice. Control of these rodents is the responsibility of property owner’s.

What should I do?

A trained and experienced pest controller will be able to provide an effective control programme. Hart DC can provide this at a competitive rate with resources available to effectively control a problem that is not as a direct result of conditions at your property alone.

We provide a chargeable service to control: Rats, Mice, Fleas and Wasps. We will also give advice on other types of pests.

Control

To effectively control rodents it requires the correct identification of the rodent and why they are there in the first instance. This could be for one of three reasons or a combination of all three; food, water and harbourage (nesting material). Identifying of how they are gaining access to these is just as important as identifying why they are there. It is imperative that this is done before any poisons are provided to ensure effective long term control. If it is not, then all the poison will do is provide a further food source!

Treatment

Over the counter poisons from a local hardware store as well as professionally obtained ones, do not provide an instant result on a single meal it requires an amount to be eaten by the rodent before it becomes fatal. So an estimate of the number of rodent’s present needs to be made before poisons are laid with access to food, water and harbourage removed.

Rats

Size: 19-28 cm head and body length. Tail about 1/2 of body length.

Colour: Grey-Brown or black fur, slightly lighter undersides.

Biology and Habitat

Rats can be found anywhere that humans are. Two types are found in this country, the brown rat or sewer rat and the black rat or ship rat. Wild rats live about 10-14 months and will breed between 5 and 7 times in this period, with an average litter of 7-8 young, a pair of rats may have up to 800 young in one year but mortality rates are high.

Importance

Rats can cause immense damage in the home, due to contamination by droppings and urine and damage by gnawing. Rats may introduce possible food poisoning and Weil's disease. Rats are a public health pest and we can enforce treatment if needed. We offer a chargeable service to residential premises.(Free for residents on certain benefits)

SO WHAT MEASURES CAN I TAKE?

Rats may be treated by purchasing poisons or traps yourself, but a professional pest control operator will be able to find the living area and where rats are entering a property.

Rats will be attracted to gardens and out building where pets are involved. Great care is needed with pet food etc. a close watch should be kept on compost heaps and bins, which will give rats, cover during the winter.

The Council offers a chargeable service for the treatment of rat infestations.

Safety

To protect yourself and others and to minimise damage to the environment. Always read and follow the application and use instructions printed on the container when using poisons or traps.

Clean all kitchen surfaces whenever Rats are found indoors regularly.